Two people were killed and 16 others injured after a double-decker bus collided with a truck in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, on Thursday morning.
The accident occurred near Toli village in the Thana Sikandrarao area, district magistrate Ashish Kumar reported. The collision was attributed to the negligence of the bus driver, who rammed into a truck parked on the roadside.
Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath expressed grief over the incident and directed officials to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured, according to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).
Hathras Superintendent of Police (SP) Nipun Aggarwal, along with police officials, rushed to the scene to conduct a rescue operation. The injured were promptly admitted to a hospital for treatment.
This incident follows a similar accident in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, where 18 people were killed and 19 injured when a double-decker sleeper bus heading for Delhi collided with a milk tanker on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway. The accident occurred around 5 am near Jojikot village in the Behta Mujhawar police station area.
District Magistrate, Gaurang Rathi stated that the bus, traveling from Motihari in Bihar, was speeding and hit the milk tanker from behind. A probe has been initiated into the incident.
Twenty passengers with minor injuries were sent to Delhi in another bus, which was carrying 60 people. Additional Director General of Police, Lucknow, SB Shiradkar, told PTI that 14 men, three women, and one child were among the deceased.
Bangarmau Circle Officer (CO) Arvind Kumar said that both the bus and milk tanker overturned due to the collision. The drivers of both vehicles were among the dead. The injured were taken to a hospital, where their conditions were reported to be stable.
The collision left the front portion of the bus badly mangled, with one side ripped open. Cranes were used to right the overturned vehicles, which were then towed away.
Police had initially stated that 14 bodies had been identified. However, they later revealed that only ten had been identified thus far.
Another injured person, Chandni, stated that there were approximately 60 passengers on the bus, and officials arrived at the accident site an hour later.
She thanked the local authorities for arranging a video conference with her spouse.
According to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath, officials have been instructed to ensure that the injured receive the best possible treatment.
Prime Minister, Narendra Modi announced an ex gratia payment of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath assured that the injured would receive the best possible treatment.
